Electrophysiology is a subspeciality of cardiology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition called arrhythmias, also known as irregular heartbeat.

The heart’s electrical system sends electrical signals through our cells in order to regulate heart rate and rhythm. The faulty signalling causes the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregularly.

It's normal for a person to have a fast or slow heart rate. For example, the heart rate may increase with exercise or slow down during sleep. However, heart arrhythmias may cause bothersome — sometimes even life-threatening — signs and symptoms.

Heart arrhythmia treatments may include:

• Medications
• Catheter procedures
• Implanted devices
• Surgery to control or eliminate fast, slow or irregular heartbeats

A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart damage that can trigger certain heart arrhythmias.